Chip recognition system

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, provided is a chip recognition system that recognizes a chip on a gaming table in an amusement place having the gaming table, the chip recognition system including: a game recording apparatus that records, as an image, a state of chips stacked on the gaming table, using a camera; an image analysis apparatus that performs an image analysis on the recorded image of the state of chips; a plurality of chip determination apparatuses including at least a first artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number of the chips stacked, using an image analysis result obtained by the image analysis apparatus; and a second artificial intelligence apparatus that decides a correct number of the chips stacked, when the plurality of chip determination apparatuses obtain different determination results for the number of the chips stacked.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/001173 filed Jan. 17, 2018,which claims priority to JP Application No. 2017-010135 filed Jan. 24,2017, the entire contents of each of which is specifically incorporatedby reference herein without disclaimer.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a chip recognition system thatrecognizes stacked chips.

Related Art

In games such as a baccarat game, betting is done by stacking aplurality of chips. Hence, there is a need to correctly recognize thestacked chips.

SUMMARY

The present invention is made in view of such a problem, and an objectof the present invention is to provide a chip recognition system capableof accurately recognizing stacked chips.

According to one embodiment, provided is a chip recognition system thatrecognizes a chip on a gaming table in an amusement place having thegaming table, the chip recognition system comprising: a game recordingapparatus that records, as an image, a state of chips stacked on thegaming table, using a camera; an image analysis apparatus that performsan image analysis on the recorded image of the state of chips; aplurality of chip determination apparatuses comprising at least a firstartificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number of the chipsstacked, using an image analysis result obtained by the image analysisapparatus; and a second artificial intelligence apparatus that decides acorrect number of the chips stacked, when the plurality of chipdetermination apparatuses obtain different determination results for thenumber of the chips stacked.

By providing the second artificial intelligence apparatus, even if theplurality of chip determination apparatuses provide differentdetermination results for the number of chips, the correct number ofchips can be accurately decided.

The plurality of chip determination apparatuses may comprise at least:the first artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number ofthe chips stacked, using an image analysis result for a first image, theimage analysis result being obtained by the image analysis apparatus;and a third artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a numberof the chips stacked, using an image analysis result for a second image,the image analysis result being obtained by the image analysis apparatusand the second image being different from the first image.

Alternatively, the plurality of chip determination apparatuses maycomprise at least: the first artificial intelligence apparatus thatdetermines a number of the chips stacked, using an image analysis resultobtained by the image analysis apparatus; and a physical measurementdetermination apparatus that determines a number of the chips stacked,by a physical measurement method different from a method used by thefirst artificial intelligence apparatus.

Additionally, the plurality of chip determination apparatuses maycomprise at least: the first artificial intelligence apparatus thatdetermines a number of the chips stacked, using an image analysis resultfor a first image, the image analysis result being obtained by the imageanalysis apparatus; a third artificial intelligence apparatus thatdetermines a number of the chips stacked, using an image analysis resultfor a second image, the image analysis result being obtained by theimage analysis apparatus and the second image being different from thefirst image; and a physical measurement determination apparatus thatdetermines a number of the chips stacked, by a physical measurementmethod different from methods used by the first and third artificialintelligence apparatuses.

The physical measurement determination apparatus may determine a numberof the chips stacked, using a measurement result that uses trigonometry.

Preferably, the second artificial intelligence apparatus decides acorrect number of the chips stacked, using at least one of: a positionof the camera used by the game recording apparatus; a number of pixelsobtained from the camera; a focal position of the image; and pastresults obtained by the plurality of chip determination apparatuses.

According to another embodiment, provided is a chip recognition systemthat recognizes a chip on a gaming table in an amusement place havingthe gaming table, the chip recognition system comprising: a gamerecording apparatus that records, as an image, a state of chips stackedon the gaming table, using a camera; an image analysis apparatus thatperforms an image analysis on the recorded image of the state of chips;a plurality of chip determination apparatuses comprising at least afirst artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number and atype of the chips stacked, using an image analysis result obtained bythe image analysis apparatus; and a second artificial intelligenceapparatus that decides a correct number or a type of the chips stacked,when the plurality of chip determination apparatuses obtain differentdetermination results for the number or the type of the chips stacked.

By providing the second artificial intelligence apparatus, even if theplurality of chip determination apparatuses provide differentdetermination results for the number or type of chips, the correctnumber of chips and the correct type of chips can be accurately decided.

The plurality of chip determination apparatuses may comprise at least:the first artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number anda type of the chips stacked, using an image analysis result for a firstimage, the image analysis result being obtained by the image analysisapparatus; and a third artificial intelligence apparatus that determinesa number and a type of the chips stacked, using an image analysis resultfor a second image, the image analysis result being obtained by theimage analysis apparatus and the second image being different from thefirst image.

The plurality of chip determination apparatuses may comprise at least:the first artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number anda type of the chips stacked, using an image analysis result obtained bythe image analysis apparatus; and a physical measurement determinationapparatus that determines a number of the chips stacked, by a physicalmeasurement method different from a method used by the first artificialintelligence apparatus.

The plurality of chip determination apparatuses may comprise at least:the first artificial intelligence apparatus that determines a number anda type of the chips stacked, using an image analysis result for a firstimage, the image analysis result being obtained by the image analysisapparatus; a third artificial intelligence apparatus that determines anumber and a type of the chips stacked, using an image analysis resultfor a second image, the image analysis result being obtained by theimage analysis apparatus and the second image being different from thefirst image; and a physical measurement determination apparatus thatdetermines a number of the chips stacked, by a physical measurementmethod different from methods used by the first and third artificialintelligence apparatuses.

The physical measurement determination apparatus may determine a numberof the chips stacked, using a measurement result that uses trigonometry.

Preferably, the second artificial intelligence apparatus decides acorrect number or a type of the chips stacked, using at least one of: aposition of the camera used by the game recording apparatus; a number ofpixels obtained from the camera; a focal position of the image; and pastresults obtained by the plurality of chip determination apparatuses.

Preferably, the image analysis apparatus is configured such that even ifa part of a plurality of stacked chips or a whole of a single chip amongthe plurality of stacked chips is hidden due to a blind spot of thecamera, the image analysis apparatus can obtain information about atype, a number, and a position of the chips.

According to another embodiment, provided is a chip recognition systemthat recognizes a chip on a gaming table in an amusement place havingthe gaming table, the chip recognition system comprising: a gamerecording apparatus that records, as an image, a state of chips stackedon the gaming table, using a camera; an image analysis apparatus thatperforms an image analysis on the recorded image of the state of chips;a chip determination apparatus comprising an artificial intelligenceapparatus that determines a number of chips bet by a player, using animage analysis result obtained by the image analysis apparatus; aphysical measurement determination apparatus that determines a number ofthe chips bet by the player, by a physical measurement method differentfrom a method used by the artificial intelligence apparatus; and amanagement and control apparatus that controls the image analysisapparatus, the chip determination apparatus, and the physicalmeasurement determination apparatus, wherein the management and controlapparatus further has a function of outputting and displaying“undetermined” as a determination result when a determination result forthe number of chips obtained from the chip determination apparatusdiffers from a determination result for the number of chips obtainedfrom the physical measurement determination apparatus.

The physical measurement determination apparatus may determine a numberof the chips using a measurement result that uses trigonometry.

According to another embodiment, provided is a chip recognition systemthat recognizes a chip on a gaming table in an amusement place havingthe gaming table, the chip recognition system comprising: a plurality ofcameras that obtain images of a chip bet by a player from differentpositions or different angles; a game recording apparatus that records,as images, a state of chips stacked on the gaming table, using theplurality of cameras; an image analysis apparatus that performs an imageanalysis on the recorded images of the state of chips; a plurality ofchip determination apparatuses comprising at least a first artificialintelligence apparatus that determines a number of the chips stacked,using an image analysis result obtained by the image analysis apparatus;and a management and control apparatus that controls the image analysisapparatus and the plurality of chip determination apparatuses, whereinthe management and control apparatus further has a second artificialintelligence apparatus function of analyzing the images in the gamerecording apparatus when the plurality of chip determination apparatusesobtain different determination results for the number of the chipsstacked, to determine whether the difference in determination result iscaused by a stacking state of the chips stacked on the gaming table, anddecides a correct number of the chips stacked, based on thedetermination results obtained by the respective plurality of chipdetermination apparatuses.

Chips can be accurately recognized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an amusement place;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the progress of a baccarat game;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a chiprecognition system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram describing a method of determining the number ofchips using trigonometry;

FIG. 5 is a diagram describing a method of determining the number ofchips using trigonometry; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a technique for recognizing chips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment according to the present invention will be specificallydescribed below with reference to the drawings.

First, a game that is played in an amusement place having a gaming table10 will be described. Although the present embodiment shows an examplein which the gaming table 10 is a baccarat table and a baccarat game isplayed, the present invention is also applicable to other amusementplaces or other games.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an amusement place. As shownin the drawing, in the amusement place there are disposed asubstantially semicircular gaming table 10 and chairs 11 which arearranged along the arc side of the gaming table 10 so as to face adealer D. The number of the chairs 11 is any. In the example of FIG. 1,six chairs 11 are provided (they are called chairs 11 a to 11 f in orderfrom the right side on the paper of the gaming table 10, and arecollectively called chairs 11). In addition, betting areas 12 areprovided on the gaming table 10 for the respective chairs 11 (they arecalled betting areas 12 a to 12 f in order from the right side on thepaper of the gaming table 10, and are collectively called betting areas12). Namely, the six betting areas 12 a to 12 f are arranged in anarc-like manner.

Then, customers (players) C sit in the respective chairs 11 a to 11 f.Each customer (player) C bets on a Player win, a Banker win, or a Tie asthe winning or losing outcome of the baccarat game (this is hereinafterreferred to as “bet”) by stacking chips W in a betting area 12 providedin front of a chair 11 in which the customer (player) C sits.

There may be only one type of chips W to bet or there may be a pluralityof types of chips W to bet. In addition, the number of chips W to betmay be arbitrarily decided by the customers (players) C. The presentembodiment is to recognize the number (furthermore, the type) of stackedchips W.

The dealer D calls “No more bets” at the right time to end betting bythe customers (players) C and, for example, moves his/her hand in acrosswise direction. Then, the dealer D draws cards one by one from acard shooter apparatus S onto the gaming table 10. As shown in FIG. 2,the first card is a Player's hand, the second card is a Banker's hand,the third card is a Player's hand, and the fourth card is a Banker'shand (the drawing of the first to fourth cards is hereinafter referredto as “dealing”).

Note that since all cards are drawn face down from the card shooterapparatus S, neither the dealer D nor customers (players) C can graspranks (numbers) or suits (hearts, diamonds, spades, or clubs).

After the fourth card is drawn, a customer (player) C who has bet on thePlayer (if there are a plurality of customers C who have bet on thePlayer, a customer C with the highest bet, and if there is no customer Cwho has bet on the Player, the dealer D) turns over the face-down firstand third cards face up. Likewise, a customer (player) C who has bet onthe Banker (if there are a plurality of customers C who have bet on theBanker, a customer C with the highest bet, and if there is no customer Cwho has bet on the Banker, the dealer D) turns over the second andfourth cards face up (in general, the turning over of a face-down cardface up is called “squeezing”).

Then, based on the ranks (numbers) of the first to fourth cards and thedetailed rules of the baccarat game, the dealer D draws the fifth cardand further the sixth card, and each of these cards becomes a Player'sor Banker's hand. In the same manner as above, a customer (player) C whohas bet on the Player squeezes a card that is the Player's hand, and acustomer (player) C who has bet on the Banker squeezes a card that isthe Banker's hand.

A period of time before winning and losing outcomes are found out bysqueezing the fifth and sixth cards after drawing the first to fourthcards is a thrilling time for the customers (players) C.

Furthermore, depending on the ranks (numbers) of cards, winning andlosing may be decided by the first to fourth cards, or winning andlosing may be finally decided by the fifth card or further by the sixthcard. Based on the ranks (numbers) of the squeezed cards, the dealer Dgrasps that winning and losing are decided and grasps winning and losingoutcomes, and performs a task such as pressing a winning and losingoutcome display button on the card shooter apparatus S to display thewinning and losing outcomes on a monitor to show the customers (players)C the winning and losing outcomes.

In addition, at the same time, a winning and losing determiner includedin the card shooter apparatus S determines the winning and losingoutcomes of the game. If, despite the fact that winning and losing havebeen decided, the dealer D further attempts to draw a card withoutdisplaying the winning and losing outcomes, an error occurs. The cardshooter apparatus S detects the error and outputs an error signal.Finally, during a period during which the winning and losing outcomesare displayed, the dealer D calculates bets made by the customers(players) C, and makes payouts to winning customers (players) C andcollects bets from losing customers (players) C. After the completion ofthe calculation, the display of the winning and losing outcomes isterminated, and betting for the next game starts.

Note that the flow of the above-described baccarat game is widely donein general casinos, and the card shooter apparatus S is an existing cardshooter apparatus that is configured to read a card to be drawn whilebeing structured such that a card is drawn out by a hand of the dealerD, and that further includes an outcome display button and an outcomedisplay module and has a function of making a winning and losingdetermination and displaying winning and losing outcomes. As describedabove, the card shooter apparatus S, a monitor, etc., are disposed foreach of a plurality of gaming tables 10 arranged on a general casinofloor, and cards to be used are supplied in units of packages or sets orfurther in units of cartons on each gaming table 10 or in a cabinet 210below the gaming table 10 and utilized.

The present embodiment relates to a chip recognition system thatrecognizes chips W that are stacked in the betting areas 12 by thecustomers (players) C, and more specifically to a chip recognitionsystem that recognizes the number and/or type of chips W.

The chip recognition system includes a single or a plurality of (two inthe example of FIG. 1) cameras 1 a and 1 b. The camera 1 a is disposedon the right side on the paper of the gaming table 10 and shoots thebetting areas 12. On the other hand, the camera 1 b is disposed on theleft side on the paper of the gaming table 10 and shoots the bettingareas 12. Note that the disposition positions of the cameras 1 a and 1 bare merely exemplification, and the cameras 1 a and 1 b may be disposedin any position in which the cameras 1 a and 1 b can shoot the bettingareas 12.

The camera 1 a may shoot only a part of the betting areas 12 a to 12 f,but it is desirable that the camera 1 a shoot all of the betting areas12 a to 12 f. When the camera 1 a shoots a plurality of betting areas12, it is expected that a sharp image can be obtained for betting areas12 close to the camera 1 a, but it is also considered that an unsharpimage is obtained for betting areas 12 far from the camera 1 a. Inaddition, it is expected that a sharp image can be obtained for bettingareas 12 that are in focus of the camera 1 a, but it is also consideredthat an unsharp image is obtained for betting areas 12 that are out offocus of the camera 1 a. The same things can also be said for the camera1 b.

Chips W are recognized using images obtained by shooting with thecameras 1 a and 1 b. Use of a sharp image increases the accuracy ofrecognition of the chips W and use of an unsharp image reduces theaccuracy of recognition of the chips W.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a chiprecognition system. The chip recognition system is to recognize chips Won a gaming table 10 in an amusement place having the gaming table 10,and includes cameras 1 a and 1 b, a game recording apparatus 2, an imageanalysis apparatus 3, a plurality of chip determination apparatuses 4,and an artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correct result5.

As described above, the cameras 1 a and 1 b shoot chips W stacked in thebetting areas 12 on the gaming table 10. Images obtained by the shootingare transmitted to the game recording apparatus 2 by wirelesscommunication or wired communication.

The game recording apparatus 2 records, as images, the state of chips Wstacked in a game which is played on the gaming table 10, using thecameras 1 a and 1 b. Namely, the game recording apparatus 2 records theimages shot with the cameras 1 a and 1 b.

The image analysis apparatus 3 performs an image analysis on therecorded images of the state of chips W. For example, the image analysisapparatus 3 performs filtering by the size (the number of pixels), shape(pattern matching), etc., of an assumed target (chip W) to make adistinction between the chips W and a background. It is desirable thatthe image analysis apparatus 3 be structured such that even if some or asingle whole chip W of a plurality of chips W stacked in the bettingareas 12 are/is hidden due to the blind spots of the cameras 1 a and 1b, the image analysis apparatus 3 can obtain information about the type,number, and position of the chips W. Specifically, this becomes possibleby artificial intelligence by teaching the artificial intelligence animage and the number of chips in the image as teacher data.

The plurality of chip determination apparatuses 4 include, for example,two artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining the number ofchips 4 a and 4 b and a physical measurement determination apparatus 4c. Note that the plurality of chip determination apparatuses 4 mayinclude only two artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining thenumber of chips 4 a and 4 b, or may include only one artificialintelligence apparatus for determining the number of chips 4 a and thephysical measurement determination apparatus 4 c, or may include threeor more artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining the numberof chips, or may include an apparatus that determines the number ofchips by a different technique.

In order that the artificial intelligence apparatuses for determiningthe number of chips 4 a and 4 b can determine the number of chips Wusing an image analysis result obtained by the image analysis apparatus3, the artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining the number ofchips 4 a and 4 b are subjected to pre-learning.

The artificial intelligence apparatus for determining the number ofchips 4 a determines, using artificial intelligence, the number ofstacked chips W, using a result that is shot with the camera 1 a andrecorded as an image and further subjected to an image analysis. On theother hand, the artificial intelligence apparatus for determining thenumber of chips 4 b determines, using artificial intelligence, thenumber of stacked chips W, using a result that is shot with the camera 1b and recorded as an image (i.e., an image different from the image shotwith the camera 1 a) and further subjected to an image analysis.

The physical measurement determination apparatus 4 c determines thenumber of chips W by a physical measurement method without usingartificial intelligence. For a specific example of the physicalmeasurement method, the number of chips W may be determined based on theheight of the stacked chips W which is obtained by applying trigonometryto the images shot with the cameras 1 a and 1 b. Furthermore,specifically, the number of chips W can be determined by computing,using trigonometry, the angles of vision from the cameras 1 a and 1 b,the position of the chips W in the images, and a horizontal distance.Specific description will be made below.

In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the cameras 1 a and 1 b and chips W arepresent in the same plane perpendicular to the gaming table 10. Arelational expression between an angle α formed by a straight lineconnecting the camera 1 a to the center C of the top chip W and thegaming table 10, an angle β formed by a straight line connecting thecamera 1 b to the center C of the top chip W and the gaming table 10, adistance L between a point of intersection KR of the straight lineconnecting the camera 1 a to the center C of the top chip W and thegaming table 10 and a point of intersection KL of the straight lineconnecting the camera 1 b to the center C of the top chip W and thegaming table 10, and a height H of the stacked chips W is represented bythe following equation (1):L=H/tan α+H/tan β  (1)

Here, the distance L and the angles α and β are found by the followingmethod. The points of intersection KR and KL are positions where thecenter C of the top chip W is projected onto the gaming table 10 asviewed from the angles of view of the cameras 1 a and 1 b. Therefore,the points of intersection KR and KL are obtained by obtaining, by imageprocessing, the center of the outline of the top chip W in images shotwith the cameras 1 a and 1 b. Furthermore, by obtaining an image of thegaming table 10 looked down from immediately above by performing imageprocessing on the images shot with the cameras 1 a and 1 b, the distanceL between the points of intersection KR and KL is obtained. Furthermore,if the positions of the points of intersection KR and KL are known, thensince the heights of the cameras 1 a and 1 b from the gaming table 10are fixed, the angles α and β can be obtained. By the above, the heightH of the stacked chips W can be obtained using the distance L and anglesα and β obtained above and by the following equation (2) which is amodified version of the above-described equation (1):H=(tan α×tan β)/((tan α+tan β))L  (2)

Although the above assumes that the cameras 1 a and 1 b and the chips Ware present in the same plane perpendicular to the gaming table 10 forsimplification of description, even when the cameras 1 a and 1 b and thechips W are not present in the same plane perpendicular to the gamingtable 10, computation can be performed in the same manner in FIG. 5.Given that the point of intersection of a perpendicular line from thecenter C to the gaming table 10 with the gaming table 10 is O, the angleformed by a straight line connecting the points of intersection O and KRand a straight line connecting the points of intersection KR and KL isγ, and the angle formed by a straight line connecting the points ofintersection O and KL and the straight line connecting the points ofintersection KR and KL is δ, though detailed computation is omitted, theheight H is represented by the following equation (2′):H=tan α tan β/(tan α cos δ+tan β cos γ)L  (2′)

By obtaining the height H of stacked chips W by the methods shown above,the number of chips W with a predetermined thickness t can be obtainedby H/t.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the artificial intelligence apparatus fordeciding a correct result 5 has learned in advance which one ofdetermination results obtained by the artificial intelligenceapparatuses for determining the number of chips 4 a and 4 b and thephysical measurement determination apparatus 4 c which are included inthe plurality of chip determination apparatuses 4 is more likely to becorrect for what image based on which the number of chips W isdetermined. Then, when the artificial intelligence apparatus fordeciding a correct result 5 obtains different determination results forthe number of chips W from the artificial intelligence apparatuses fordetermining the number of chips 4 a and 4 b and the physical measurementdetermination apparatus 4 c, the artificial intelligence apparatus fordeciding a correct result 5 decides the correct number of chips W usingartificial intelligence. Upon this decision, the artificial intelligenceapparatus for deciding a correct result 5 uses images that are used bythe artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining the number ofchips 4 a and 4 b to determine the number of chips W.

The artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correct result 5may decide the correct number of chips W, taking into account thepositions of the cameras 1 a and 1 b used by the game recordingapparatus 2. For example, the camera 1 a is close to the betting area 12a and is far from the betting area 12 f (see FIG. 1). Hence, when theartificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correct result 5determines the number of chips W stacked in the betting area 12 a, theartificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correct result 5 maydecide the number of chips W obtained as a result of determination bythe artificial intelligence apparatus for determining the number ofchips 4 a that uses an image from the camera 1 a, instead of by theartificial intelligence apparatus for determining the number of chips 4b that uses an image from the camera 1 b, to be correct.

In addition, the artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding acorrect result 5 may decide the correct number of chips W, taking intoaccount the numbers of pixels obtained from the cameras 1 a and 1 b,etc. For example, either one of the cameras 1 a and 1 b may be selectedby comparing the numbers of pixels or the degrees of focus which areobtained from the cameras 1 a and 1 b. Namely, when focus is achieved,an edge becomes sharp and thus contrast becomes clear, making it easierto obtain the correct number of chips W by image processing. Hence, forexample, when different determination results are obtained for thecameras 1 a and 1 b, in general, it is highly likely that a camera thatachieves better focus shows the correct number of chips W.

Alternatively, the artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding acorrect result 5 may decide the correct number of chips W, taking intoaccount the focal positions of images shot with the cameras 1 a and 1 b.For example, it is assumed that upon determining the number of chips Wstacked in the betting area 12 b, the focus of the camera 1 a is locatedin the betting area 12 b and the focus of the camera 1 b is located inthe betting area 12 f. In this case, the artificial intelligenceapparatus for deciding a correct result 5 may decide the number of chipsW obtained as a result of determination by the artificial intelligenceapparatus for determining the number of chips 4 a that uses an imagefrom the camera 1 a, instead of by the artificial intelligence apparatusfor determining the number of chips 4 b that uses an image from thecamera 1 b, to be correct.

In addition, the artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding acorrect result 5 may decide the correct number of chips W, taking intoaccount the past results obtained by the artificial intelligenceapparatuses for determining the number of chips 4 a and 4 b and thephysical measurement determination apparatus 4 c. For example, when thephysical measurement determination apparatus 4 c has a higher pastcorrectness rate than the artificial intelligence apparatuses fordetermining the number of chips 4 a and 4 b, the artificial intelligenceapparatus for deciding a correct result 5 may decide the number of chipsW obtained as a result of determination by the physical measurementdetermination apparatus 4 c to be correct.

As such, the artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correctresult 5 can decide a correct result using various elements. Two or moreof the exemplified positions of the cameras 1 a and 1 b, numbers ofpixels obtained from the cameras 1 a and 1 b, focal positions of images,and past results may be combined, or other information may be furtherused.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a technique for recognizing chips W.First, the cameras 1 a and 1 b shoot the state of chips W, and the gamerecording apparatus 2 records images representing the state of chips W(step S1). Subsequently, the image analysis apparatus 3 analyzes therecorded images (step S2). Then, each of the artificial intelligenceapparatuses for determining the number of chips 4 a and 4 b and thephysical measurement determination apparatus 4 c which are included inthe plurality of chip determination apparatuses 4 determines the numberof chips W using an image analysis result (step S3).

Here, if determination results for the number of chips W which areobtained by the artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining thenumber of chips 4 a and 4 b and the physical measurement determinationapparatus 4 c match (YES at step S4), the determination results are usedas the number of chips W. On the other hand, if the determinationresults do not match (NO at step S4), the artificial intelligenceapparatus for deciding a correct result 5 decides which one of thedetermination results is correct, i.e., decides the correct number ofchips W (step S5).

As such, in the present embodiment, the plurality of chip determinationapparatuses 4 are provided, and furthermore, the artificial intelligenceapparatus for deciding a correct result 5 is provided. Hence, even whenthe plurality of chip determination apparatuses 4 provide differentdetermination results, the number of chips W can be accurately decidedby the artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correct result5.

Note that the above-described embodiment is to decide the number ofchips W. However, both the type and number of chips W may be decided.For example, the artificial intelligence apparatuses for determining thenumber of chips 4 a and 4 b may have learned in advance to determine thetype and number of chips W, and determine both the type and number usingimages having been subject to an image analysis. In that case, if thetypes of chips W indicated by determination results do not match, theartificial intelligence apparatus for deciding a correct result 5 mayfurther decide the correct type of chips W.

In addition, the chip recognition system may include a management andcontrol apparatus that controls at least some of the game recordingapparatus 2, the image analysis apparatus 3, the chip determinationapparatuses 4, and the artificial intelligence apparatus for deciding acorrect result 5.

For example, when determination results for the number (and/or type, thesame also applies below) of chips W which are obtained from theartificial intelligence apparatuses for determining the number of chips4 a and 4 b differ from a determination result for the number of chips Wwhich is obtained from the physical measurement determination apparatus4 c, the management and control apparatus may output and display“undetermined” as a determination result.

In addition, when the chip determination apparatuses 4 obtain differentdetermination results for the number of chips W, the management andcontrol apparatus may analyze images in the game recording apparatus 2to determine whether the difference in determination result is caused bythe stacking state of chips W stacked on the gaming table 10, and decidethe correct number of chips W based on the determination resultsobtained by the respective chip determination apparatuses 4. Themanagement and control apparatus may have an artificial intelligenceapparatus function and use the artificial intelligence apparatusfunction for the decision.

The above-described embodiment is described with the aim of allowing aperson of ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the presentinvention belongs to carry out the present invention. Various variantsof the above-described embodiment can be made as a matter of course by aperson skilled in the art, and the technical idea of the presentinvention can also be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, thepresent invention should not be construed as being limited to thedescribed embodiment, but should be construed as having the widest rangeaccording to the technical idea defined by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 a and 1 b: Camera-   2: Game Recording Apparatus-   3: Image Analysis Apparatus-   4: A Plurality of Chip Determination Apparatuses-   4 a, 4 b: Artificial Intelligence Apparatus for Determining the    Number of Chips-   4 c: Physical Measurement Determination Apparatus-   5: Artificial Intelligence Apparatus For Deciding A Correct Result-   10: Gaming Table-   11 a-11 f: Chair-   12 a-12 f: Betting Area

What is claimed is:
 1. A chip recognition system for a gaming table, thechip recognition system comprising: a game recording apparatus, whereinthe game recording apparatus is configured to use a camera to record asa first image a state of chips stacked on the gaming table; an imageanalysis apparatus, wherein the image analysis apparatus is configuredto perform an image analysis of the recorded first image; a plurality ofchip determination apparatuses that each includes first artificialintelligence by which the chip determination apparatuses are configuredto determine, based on a result of the image analysis, a number of thestacked chips; and an apparatus that includes second artificialintelligence by which the apparatus is configured to decide a correctnumber of the chips stacked when the plurality of chip determinationapparatuses obtain different values for the number of the stacked chips.2. The chip recognition system according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of chip determination apparatuses further include thirdartificial intelligence by which the chip determination apparatuses areconfigured to determine the number of the stacked chips using a resultof an image analysis, performed by the image analysis apparatus, of asecond image that is different than the first image.
 3. The chiprecognition system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of chipdetermination apparatuses are configured to determine the number of thestacked chips additionally by a physical measurement method that isdifferent than a method used by the first artificial intelligence anddifferent than a method used by the third artificial intelligence. 4.The chip recognition system according to claim 3, wherein the physicalmeasurement method determines the number using a trigonometricmeasurement.
 5. The chip recognition system according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of chip determination apparatuses are configuredto determine the number of the stacked chips additionally by a physicalmeasurement method that is different than a method used by the firstartificial intelligence.
 6. The chip recognition system according toclaim 5, wherein the physical measurement method determines the numberusing a trigonometric measurement.
 7. The chip recognition systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the decision of the correct number isobtained by the second artificial intelligence using at least one of: aposition of the camera; a number of pixels obtained from the camera; afocal position of the first image; and past results obtained by theplurality of chip determination apparatuses.
 8. A chip recognitionsystem for a gaming table, the chip recognition system comprising: agame recording apparatus, wherein the game recording apparatus isconfigured to use a camera to record as a first image a state of chipsstacked on the gaming table; an image analysis apparatus, wherein theimage analysis apparatus is configured to perform an image analysis ofthe recorded first image; a plurality of chip determination apparatusesthat each includes first artificial intelligence by which the chipdetermination apparatuses are configured to determine, based on a resultof the image analysis, a number and a type of the stacked chips; and anapparatus that includes second artificial intelligence by which theapparatus is configured to decide a correct number and a correct type ofthe chips stacked when the plurality of chip determination apparatusesobtain different values for the number or the type of the stacked chips.9. The chip recognition system according to claim 8, wherein theplurality of chip determination apparatuses further include thirdartificial intelligence by which the chip determination apparatuses areconfigured to determine the number and the type of the stacked chipsusing a result of an image analysis, performed by the image analysisapparatus, of a second image that is different than the first image. 10.The chip recognition system according to claim 8, wherein the pluralityof chip determination apparatuses are configured to determine the numberof the stacked chips additionally by a physical measurement method thatis different than a method used by the first artificial intelligence anddifferent than a method used by the third artificial intelligence. 11.The chip recognition system according to claim 10, wherein the physicalmeasurement method determines the number using a trigonometricmeasurement.
 12. The chip recognition system according to claim 10,wherein the plurality of chip determination apparatuses are configuredto determine the number of the stacked chips additionally by a physicalmeasurement method that is different than a method used by the firstartificial intelligence.
 13. The chip recognition system according toclaim 12, wherein the physical measurement method determines the numberusing a trigonometric measurement.
 14. The chip recognition systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the decision of the correct number orcorrect type is obtained by the second artificial intelligence using atleast one of: a position of the camera; a number of pixels obtained fromthe camera; a focal position of the first image; and past resultsobtained by the plurality of chip determination apparatuses.
 15. Thechip recognition system according to claim 10, wherein the imageanalysis apparatus is configured to determine information about thenumber, the type, and a position of the stacked chips even when a partor an entirety of one or more of the stacked chips is hidden due to ablind spot of the camera.
 16. A chip recognition system for a gamingtable, the system comprising: a game recording apparatus, wherein thegame recording apparatus is configured to use a camera to record as animage a state of chips stacked on the gaming table; an image analysisapparatus, wherein the image analysis apparatus is configured to performan image analysis of the recorded image; a chip determination apparatusthat includes artificial intelligence by which the chip determinationapparatus is configured to determine, based on a result of the imageanalysis, a number of the stacked chips that are bet by a player; aphysical measurement determination apparatus, wherein the physicalmeasurement determination apparatus is configured to determine thenumber of the chips bet by the player by performing a physicalmeasurement method that is different from a method used by theartificial intelligence; and a management and control apparatus, whereinthe management and control apparatus is configured to: control the imageanalysis apparatus, the chip determination apparatus, and the physicalmeasurement determination apparatus; and display an indication that thenumber of the chips bet by the player is undetermined when the numbersdetermined by the chip determination apparatus and the physicalmeasurement determination apparatus differ.
 17. The chip recognitionsystem according to claim 16, wherein the physical measurement methoddetermines the number using a trigonometric measurement.
 18. A chiprecognition system for a gaming table, the system comprising: aplurality of cameras configured to obtain images of a chip bet by aplayer from different positions or different angles; a game recordingapparatus, wherein the game recording apparatus is configured to recordthe images as a representation of a state of chips stacked on the gamingtable; an image analysis apparatus, wherein the image analysis apparatusis configured to perform an image analysis of the recorded images; aplurality of chip determination apparatuses that each includes firstartificial intelligence by which the chip determination apparatuses areconfigured to determine, based on a result of the image analysis, anumber of the stacked chips; and a management and control apparatus,wherein the management and control apparatus is configured to: controlthe image analysis apparatus and the plurality of chip determinationapparatuses; and when the plurality of chip determination apparatusesobtain different values for the number of the stacked chips: use secondartificial intelligence to analyze the recorded images to determinewhether the difference in the values is caused by a stacking state ofthe stacked chips on the gaming table; and determine a correct number ofthe stacked chips based on the values of the number obtained by theplurality of chip determination apparatuses.
 19. The chip recognitionsystem according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of chipdetermination apparatuses are configured to determine the number of thestacked chips additionally by a physical measurement method that isdifferent than a method used by the first artificial intelligence. 20.The chip recognition system according to claim 19, wherein the physicalmeasurement method determines the number using a trigonometricmeasurement.
 21. The chip recognition system according to claim 18,wherein the correct number is obtained by the second artificialintelligence using at least one of: positions of the cameras; numbers ofpixels obtained from the cameras; focal positions of the images; andpast results obtained by the plurality of chip determinationapparatuses.